Padula: A summer reading list for cannabis enthusiasts

By Gregg Padula, columnist

Thursday

Jul 12, 2018 at 11:00 AMAug 21, 2018 at 4:05 PM

Misinformation. It leads to misinterpretation -- then inevitably degrades into a confused, digital perception, void of tone or emotion. I’m not going political on you right now, as I know you’ve probably had your fill. I just want to quickly remind everyone about the importance of talking to each other. Opposing ideas remain unresolved when silent.

I have a unique vantage point, one which has allowed a front row seat to the inner workings of the cannabis community that may be off-limits for some reporters who haven’t worked in the industry and aren’t familiar with the way things actually work. Do not mistake my tone as condescending; that couldn’t be any further from the truth. My goal is to find a way to dial the story back to the beginning, and offer a starting point for those left in the dust.

Many of you are interested in topics such as the non-psychoactive medicinal compounds found in cannabis, various forms of ingestion and dosage and suggestions on which strains are most beneficial for specific conditions. Based on your broad range of inquiries — and lamenting for hours over which three books can serve as a strong foundation for future activists and cannabis information seekers alike — this is what I came up with.

* “The Cannabis Health Index” by Uwe Blesching, PhD

* “Cannabis Pharmacy” by Michael Backes

* “The Cannabis Manifesto” by Steve D’Angelo

“The Cannabis Health Index” by Uwe Blesching, PhD, is a reference guide containing the findings of more than 1,000 cannabis-related case studies from the United States, exploring the potential benefits of cannabis in more than a hundred different ailments and diseases. At 632 pages, this may not be a sunny-day beach read, but it is an indispensable reference guide which should sit upon the shelves of physicians – not just bookstores.

The guide resembles an anatomy textbook, with neatly designed data charts and close-ups of our bodies’ natural endocannabinoid system. This book is important; it’s the first mainstream reference guide packed with plain data disproving most of the lies still being used to perpetuate a failed drug war.

At first glance, “The Cannabis Health Index” looks intimidating, but I think you’ll find it’s quite digestible whether you’re an expert or beginner. I believe this masterwork will serve as the standard for medical professionals with a growing number of patients seeking information on a medicine which, for the most part, is outside of FDA approval.

“Cannabis Pharmacy” by Michael Backes is hands-down my go-to suggestion. The aesthetically pleasing book provides a broad spectrum of general information including how cannabis works within our bodies, different forms of cannabis, delivery and dosing, spotting contaminants, cultivation and a great chapter focusing on some of the most popular medicinal cannabis strains and the ailments which they are most effective in treating. If you’re looking for a place to start, look no further.

“The Cannabis Manifesto” by Steve D’Angelo was a revelation for me. D’Angelo, founder of Harborside Health Center, the world’s largest medical cannabis dispensary, presents compelling arguments for legalization through well-articulated philosophies based on several decades of working with patients using cannabis for medical conditions. As an activist, this book put into words what I couldn’t. Each page had me internally screaming “EXACTLY!”

D’Angelo acknowledges, and differentiates, medical and recreational cannabis as separate entities -- something I have been advocating for years, but not nearly as eloquently and calmly as the long-time advocate and icon of the movement.

“The Cannabis Manifesto” is written from the heart of a man who has been on the front lines of this fight for decades. It debunks the ridiculous myths and fabricated dangers of the plant in a way that inspires the reader. It’s a history lesson, a reality check and a call to action delivered in a poetic style. This book is a gamechanger.

For those eager to get out there and meet other like-minded individuals while learning about the plant in a more hands-on setting, there is no shortage of cannabis-centric events scheduled throughout July and August -- making this the greenest summer of all time.

Gregg Padula is an employee of GateHouse Media New England. He has experience in several areas of the cannabis industry, and now serves as an advocate for both patients’ and workers’ rights. He can be reached at gpadula@wickedlocal.com.

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